Newly merged Maitland and Euro RSCG Apex launch public affairs arm

Maitland and Euro RSCG Apex have launched a public affairs arm following their merger. The new venture, named Maitland Political, will advise clients on stakeholder relations, policy development, issue-based campaigning, and monitoring of political and parliamentary activities.

New venture: Peter Bowyer (left) and Neil Bennett launch Maitland Political
Both Maitland and Apex are owned by French marcoms group Havas.

Apex was founded five years ago by Ed Owen, former longstanding special adviser to Jack Straw, and former Weber Shandwick director and Labour Party press councillor Pete Bowyer.

Owen and Bowyer will both become partners in Maitland and the rest of Apex’s seven-strong team will move into the financial consultancy’s offices.

Maitland Political will also encompass a number of Maitland’s existing senior staff, including Brian Cattell, chairman of Conservative-leaning think-tank The Bow Group.

In addition, Alison Goldsworthy, deputy chair of the Liberal Democrats Federal Executive, will join Maitland Political as a consultant.

Neil Bennett, Maitland’s chief executive, commented: ‘The launch of Maitland Political is a huge opportunity for us to offer a wider range of services and advise to our clients. For some time now it has been clear to us that financial and corporate communications and public and government affairs are closely related disciplines, whether we are advising on a transaction or on day-to-day matters.’

Owen added: ‘This creates a natural partnership that pools our different skills to provide clients with even greater value in terms of expertise and experience. The traditional barriers between communications disciplines are disappearing and the merger provides companies and organisations with a fully integrated and comprehensive service.’